Ford Mustang, 1983-1990

Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts

Which convertible top fabric should I buy?
Between 1983 and 1990, the Ford Mustang original convertible top fabric was Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl. Original colors were, most often, black, Ford white, and Ford blue. (The original pale Ford blue fabric is no longer available.) Some "high-end" restorers prefer Haartz Stayfast Canvas. Here's what you need to know about each before making a decision:
Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is a two-ply composite with a PVC outer layer and a cotton inner lining. Pinpoint refers to the little dots on the vinyl surface. Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is a popular convertible top fabric. In fact, this fabric is original to most American cars made before 1993. If you take care of a Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Mustang top, it can easily last 10 years.
Haartz Stayfast Canvas: If you're looking to upgrade your vinyl Mustang top, consider a convertible top made of Haartz Stayfast Canvas. This fabric is the American substitute for the German canvases used in Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, as well as some Mustang and Lebaron models. Haartz Stayfast Canvas is a three-ply composite material made of an acrylic square-weave outer fabric, a butyl rubber core, and a cotton lining. The butyl rubber core promises to make Haartz Stayfast Canvas last a very long time. This canvas is a little richer looking than the vinyl. It's also a little harder to clean. Stayfast Canvas has both better static and dynamic wear ratings than vinyl tops.

Can I Install a Mustang Convertible Top Myself?
Every Mustang convertible top, until 2005, was a classic "two part top." The main top and the rear convertible top window section (called the "curtain") are integrated during the convertible top installation.

We have the fourth edition of the tutorial two part convertible top installation manual. It should help you decide whether you are a candidate for installing a replacement Mustang convertible top yourself. We have found that owners comfortable with renting an air-driven staple gun (or using our Arrow ETFX stapler) are candidates for do-it-yourself convertible top installation. We offer the Mustang convertible top installation manuals, with Mustang convertible top details for each year Mustang. You might also wish to have our comprehensive two-part convertible top installation manual, now in its fourth edition. This covers, in detail, all the steps for do-it-yourself convertible top installation including convertible top removal procedures. You may purchase the manual to review it before purchasing a convertible top package. We would then pro-rate future purchase of the convertible top when it is ordered.

Why should I buy a convertible top package?
Our convertible top packages contain all the necessary essentials for installing a Mustang convertible top for one discounted price. Our packages include the Mustang top and required cables, top frame tack strips, top pads and other convertible top parts as listed for each Mustang convertible on its page.

Most importantly, our Mustang top packages come with the do-it-yourself, step-by-step top top installation manual. Do-it-yourself installation of a two-part convertible top is frequently done by our customers. The full two-part Mustang convertible top installation manual is available on this page. Note that there is no sewing involved in installing a two-part convertible top. There is stapling and there is manipulation of the top fabric which in places is applied with professional grade contact cement (included in our packages). Our convertible top packages include stainless-steel staples and the very best grade of contact cement with brush.

Can I purchase just one top section?
Yes. The main top (the section of the convertible top that covers from the windshield back to the rear window, is available separately. So is the rear window section of the convertible top (called the "curtain") Either section of the convertible top can be installed with the other section of the soft top retained.

Important advice for anyone ordering hydraulics
We now stock hydraulic cylinders, motor-pumps, and hoses for your convertible tops. All are made to OEM specifications. Each can be ordered separately; however, when ordering hydraulic cylinders we recommend replacing both. The chances are that both cylinders were manufactured at the same time: if one is on its way out the other may follow. If the top is raised and one hydraulic cylinder is working harder than the other the result over time can lead to a slightly bent convertible top frame. The replacement of both will ensure that the top raises and lowers symmetrically.
Systems for this car take Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and have a 1 year warranty when used with this fluid. Brake fluid should not be used as it voids the warranty. We also offer an installation manual when ordered.
The 12 volt motor-pumps include a mounting bracket with rubber grommets to reduce vibration.

 

CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRICS
Almost all manufacturers use Haartz fabrics. They may specify "heaviest weight" or "original replacement" in ways that seem reassuring. But they do not really tell the whole story. Please bear in mind that two things dominate, by far, the quality issue: (a) the manufacturing quality control in the factory that makes the top and (b) the care and thoroughness of the installation. There is a trade-off in weight: heavier is better for resisting tear through, but lighter is better for flexibility and abrasion from within that may arise from movement. Almost all our tops are a flexible medium density (36 oz.) fabric. Heavier is not better in most cases. Where it is, because of the top design, we will say so and the top will be made of the heavier vinyl.

• Sonnenland® is a German-made 3-ply topping made up of an acrylic twill-weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a polyester "dobby backing." The dobby backing is a knit-like weave original to many high-end foreign cars. Customers who value originality over cost often pay top dollar for Sonnenland, just to have that authentic "dobby backing," seen only when you look up at the roof of your convertible top from inside your car. Sonnenland canvas is a top-of-the-line material original to various Audi, BMW, and Jaguar convertibles, among others. Sonnenland Canvas can vary in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance, but all Sonnenland Canvas promises elegance and long-lasting durability.
• Twillfast®, also called Sonnendeck Canvas, is an American-made canvas - a cost-effective substitute for Sonnenland. Twillfast is usually a 3-ply topping (though some versions are 5-ply) with Polyester and/or Polyester/cotton backings. This material, original to certain Camaro, BMW, Mustang, and VW Beetle convertibles, among others, varies in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance. Twillfast Canvas is identical to Sonnenland Canvas - elegant and durable - only it's less expensive. This is a top-notch convertible top material, one we often recommend to savvy customers who like a good buy and a quality product.
• Stayfast Canvas is an elegant, durable canvas original to cars like the Mazda Miata and the Nissan 370Z. Stayfast is commonly used in replacement convertible tops. Stayfast canvas has an acrylic square weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a cotton backing. As with other canvases, the rubber core gives the fabric long-lasting durability. Stayfast canvas is a sleek, beautiful canvas, usually less expensive than Twillfast, but it does not have the dobby backing offered in Sonnenland and Twillfast (Sonnendeck). Stayfast is a popular upgrade to vinyl convertible tops, and as with any canvas, is richer looking and has a higher wear rating than convertible tops made of vinyl.
• Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is the most popular fabric. This vinyl design is original to most American cars from the fifties to the nineties. Pinpoint refers to the little dots or pips that you see if you look closely at the vinyl surface. European cars, such as the old Beetles and others also used pinpoint vinyl as the topping fabric.
• Chrysler Sailcloth is featured on many late LeBarons, Sebrings, certain Mustangs and other cars. It is structurally (wear quality) equivalent to the Haartz Pinpoint but has a different surface grain. The grain was designed to imitate the look of canvas. As you can see from the scan of this fabric, it is an exceptionally rich looking material. It is sometimes chosen for replacing convertible tops that originally featured pinpoint vinyl.
• Cabrio Grain is also structurally equivalent to the pinpoint. It has a pigskin outer grain vinyl as original to Volkswagen Cabriolets from 1984 onward and to Mazda Miatas and Mercury Capris.
• A5S German Canvas (Robbins) The 100% Acrylic Twill Weave Surface Cloth receives a special flame singing treatment to remove the fabric knap; and is laminated to Black 100% Polyester Dobby backing.
  
  This is the original topping for Porsche Boxster and Cabrio convertible tops. 59 inches (150 cm) wide, made in Germany.
• British Bison Vinyl is the most popular British roadster convertible top material. It is American made Haartz leather grain vinyl and is an imitation of the British Everflex vinyl top fabric. The British Bison Vinyl convertible top fabric is often referred to as 'crush grain.'
• British Everflex Vinyl We are now pleased to offer British Everflex Vinyl for classic English tops. This is the original material used on British convertibles including Jaguar, Rolls Royce and many others. Imported from England, British Everflex vinyl is a supple vinyl with a rich appearance and is more durable than other vinyls. A good, less expensive alternative is Colonial grain vinyl. Colonial has the same texture but is less durable.
• HV Denim (also called Twill Weave Vinyl) is heavy duty sport material composed of a distinctive twill grain PVC outer layer and a polyester/cotton blend inside lining fabric.
• Trilogy Acoustic Vinyl A heavyweight vinyl that is often used on SUVs like Jeep, because the two-ply composite has the capacity to reduce noise by about 20 percent compared to standard vinyls like Sailcloth. The vinyl material is durable, promises long-lasting wear-and-tear, and resembles the sleek twill cloth commonly found on luxury convertible cars.
• Haartz Twillfast RPC This American-made canvas has a twill weave pattern and resembles German-made Sonnenland canvas. It is a great all-purpose canvas and, according to Haartz, is used on 99 percent of convertibles. It is stronger and more durable than Stayfast Canvas and offers more sound protection. Haartz rates Twillfast RPC as a mid-level acoustic product, compared to the low-level sound reduction offered on other top materials like Stayfast

Warranties outlined here are only applicable for products installed by a professional trim shop or professional upholstery shop. For Convertible Tops, and related products, the manufacturer will void the warranty for any product that is not professionally installed; manufacturer defects are covered by the warranty in such cases. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage due to improper installation.